HS2 Ltd is to start essential environment and engineering survey work along the planned route of the new high-speed rail line between London and the West Midlands. The announcement follows the recent shortlisting of consultants for advanced civil engineering structural deign works worth some US$316M.
Alison Munro, Chief Executive of HS2 Ltd said: “I’m very pleased that we are able to get going with the next key stage of our work assessing, in much greater detail than we have been able to do up till now, the potential impact of the HS2 proposals on local sites. We hope to develop close working partnerships with those affected by the new line and this licensing arrangement is an important step in that direction.”
The ecology surveys will initially identify plants, animals and habitats, then, if necessary, HS2 Ltd will carry out further detailed investigation for specific species.. As the project progresses the company’s engineers and environmental specialists will also investigate ground condition and physical features, and take measurements.
This programme is an essential part of the collection of baseline data to inform part of preparing for the hybrid bill, feeding into the environmental impact assessment and design work.
The first batch of letters to landowners requesting a site visit has now gone out and work is expected to start in February.
Last week saw the advanced civil engineering and structural design contract shortlist released, with Arup; AECOM-Hyder; WSP; Mott MacDonald; Jacobs; Atkins; Capita Symonds-Ineco all in the running for the award.
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